TEQUILA MONDAY WINS $140,770 LISMORE

It was Big City Betty (Jim Marohn Jr.)-along with Agent Q an elimination winner a week ago-offering up some wild early speed, as in a 27-second opening quarter. Pole-sitting Warrawee Sunshine (Tim Tetrick) broke and left the course, while Caviart Cherie (Jason Bartlett) was away second, ahead of 1-4 choice, Agent Q.

Tequila Monday, a rallying second to 'Q' a week ago, started from post position No. 7 here and found a comfy four-hole which ended up serving her very well.

Big City Betty did a better rating job, getting a :56.2 intermission. It mattered not, as Agent Q swallowed her whole down the backside the second time.

However, once 'Q' moved, Tequila Monday moved right with her..and as completely as Agent Q inhaled 'Betty,' Tequila Monday scarfed down Agent Q.

Last season's New York Sire Stakes frosh champ, Tequila Monday saw a length-and-three-quarter lead in and out of the final turn widen to 4 3/4 lengths at the (1:52.2) wire. The time in the 13th Lismore was a life-best and just a tick off Tyra's (Tim Tetrick, 2014) stakes record.

For second choice Tequila Monday, a daughter of American Ideal, trained by Chris Oakes for co-owners Susan Oakes and Chuck Pompey, it was her first win in three seasonal start (career five wins three seconds in eight starts). The exacta paid $25.80. with the triple returning $107.50.

"She's got a lot of ability and just needs some ironing out," Sears said. "Sometimes, she gets steppy. She made a break in the final (of New York Sire Stakes) and was able to overcome it. With a shoeing change, she was real solid (tonight)."

Saturday night's $55,000 Open Handicap Pace was won by a repeating Mach it So (Brent Holland, $4.40) in a snappy 1:51.3.